Golf struggles in season opener at Kiawah Island

The Troy men’s golf team finished seventh at The Invitational at the Ocean Course at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort on Saturday, Sept. 12.

Five individuals competed in the 12-team tournament hosted by the College of Charleston.

Redshirt junior Cam Norman made his first appearance for the Trojans at the Invitational, leading the way for Troy and finishing ninth overall among individual golfers. After shooting an eight-over 80, Norman ended off his weekend at four over par.

On Friday, Sept. 11, the Trojans showed their worth, as multiple Trojans contributed to their fourth-place spot after two rounds. Juniors Luke Moser and Clayton Vannoy both added to the Trojans’ performance, each recording two birdies late in their respective rounds.

Vannoy finished with a 10-over for the tournament, with a 7-over-79 to close out his opening weekend.

New faces were on the course for Troy, as junior Sean Stone and freshman Calum Masters both made their debut appearances as Trojans. They finished the tournament ranked 78th and 80th, respectively.

Junior Jared Bettcher went between stretches of success and struggles throughout the tournament, but ended in 28th place. In Bettcher’s final round, he recorded six bogeys and a double bogey, but thanks to three birdies, he was able to move up seven spots from his previous placement on day one of the Invitational.

The Trojans fell three spots out of their fourth-place finish following day one of play. Stellar performances by Georgia Southern, NC State and UAB kept the Trojans from maintaining their high placement in the tournament.

The men’s team will return to play on Saturday, Sept. 26, as it participates in a two-day Sun Belt Preview tournament in Miramar Beach, Florida. The Trojans will co-host the tournament with South Alabama at the Raven Golf Course at the Sandestin Resort.